Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame
The only museum in Oklahoma to celebrate its homegrown jazz talent, the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame celebrates a fine tradition of gospel, jazz and blues. The museum is housed in the Art Deco Union Depot Building, a Tulsa landmark in the historic Greenwood Jazz District. Known as "The Black Wall Street of America" in the early 20th century, the district was full of black-owned businesses, including jazz clubs. In fact, jazz great Count Basie was allegedly inspired to become a jazz musician after a 1927 visit to a club in Greenwood.
Today, the museum offers visitors the chance to learn from interactive kiosks, interact with hands-on historical exhibitions, see a recording studio and browse a music library, which catalogs video and audio recordings of jazz artists. The walls are covered with photos of jazz legends, and an art gallery houses sculptures that express musical themes and commemorate musicians. The museum also hosts several jazz concerts such as "Ladies Sing the Blues (and Jazz)" and "Essentially Ellington."
Several spaces, including the Jazz Depot, Great Performance Hall, recording studio and VIP suite, are available for private events at the 2,000-square-foot facility. The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Saturday visits can be arranged with advanced notice. Concerts are held Sunday from 4 to 7:30 PM. Event tickets range from $10 to $20. For more information: 918-596-1001
